Top 5 Christmas Events Coming to Walt Disney World in 2018

AliciaStella

The best place in Orlando to celebrate the holidays with your family is at the Walt Disney World Resort. Everywhere you go there are colorful decorations, special shows and unique holiday food and drink offerings. From giant gingerbread houses at the Grand Floridian and Contemporary Resort to special events at the theme parks, there's no place more festive! Here are the top 5 Christmas events at Walt Disney World in 2018.

Christmas Tree Trail at Disney Springs
Grab a cup of hot cocoa and head over to Disney Springs for a new Disney tradition: the Christmas Tree Trail. From Nov. 8, 2018 to Jan. 6, you can explore a magical path of exquisitely decked-out trees. Along the path, you'll encounter trees decorated with Disney-inspired themes like Alice in Wonderland, Mary Poppins, Disney Villains and dozens more! All the while, there's falling snow and festive music along the way. Plus, while you're there, take part in the completely free Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt. This fun scavenger hunt will have you searching through Disney Springs to spot Stitch in the many shops, and when you've found them all, you'll win a prize. Best part of all, parking is always free at Disney Springs. You could spend a whole day there, enjoying the decorations and free entertainment this holiday season!

Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
For this annual event, Epcot's World Showcase is transformed with decor and shows celebrating holiday traditions from around the world. Indulge in traditional holiday food at Holiday Kitchens throughout the park, each offering decadent desserts, savory snacks and holiday-inspired drinks. Experience the traditional Christmas Story as told by celebrity narrators including Neil Patrick Harris, Alfonso Ribeiro and Helen Hunt. Kids love helping Chip & Dale find their lost ornaments hidden at each of the World Showcase nations in the "Christmas Tree Spree" scavenger hunt during the event. End your day of joy with a special holiday version of the IllumiNations fireworks show. The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays runs from Nov. 18th through Dec. 30th and is included with regular park admission.

Toy Story Land Holiday Cheer at Hollywood Studios
This year, your Toy Story friends will be getting into the holiday spirit as Toy Story Land celebrates its first Christmas season. Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear will be sporting all-new outfits that are covered in holiday cheer. Woody will have a candy cane in his holster and a Christmas Tree on his vest, Jessie's cowgirl vest will be trimmed in a pretty peppermint pattern, and Buzz Lightyear will sport a sparkly Santa Hat. In addition to holiday character greetings, Toy Story Land will feature new décor, including oversized popcorn garland, a holiday card selfie spot, Green Alien ornaments and more. Plus, new holiday sounds and effects will be added like sleigh bell sounds at Slinky Dog Dash and new holiday music tracks at Alien Swirling Saucers.

Sunset Seasons Greetings and Jingle Bell Jingle BAM! at Hollywood Studios
Sunset Boulevard comes alive during Sunset Seasons Greetings, an immersive nighttime experience featuring lively decorations, merry treats and spectacular projections of Mickey and his friends directly onto the Tower of Terror. The famous Hollywood Tower Hotel is transformed into different scenes of the season like a gingerbread house and a frozen winter wonderland. Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! will also be returning this year. This popular holiday show is a spirited adventure featuring Santa and his elves that utilizes projections, special effects, Christmas music and fireworks. It even includes a special message from Santa himself. These events run through January 6th, and are included in regular park admission.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom
The biggest celebration of all happens on select nights at the Magic Kingdom. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is where Mickey and all his pals come together for one unforgettable event. Children of all ages love the live entertainment, spectacular fireworks and "Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade" featuring dancing gingerbread men, elves and – of course – Santa Claus. Meet your favorite Disney characters all decked out in their holiday best, including rare appearances from characters like Jack Skellington, all dressed up as Sandy Claws and ready to deliver gifts. Plus, many of your favorite rides will be open during the event with little to no wait, with some even transformed for the holidays! Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party takes place on select evenings from Nov. 8th through December 21st. Separate admission is required for this event.